Snack Packaging and Machines

The snack market is estimated to grow at an unprecedented rate, according to recent statistics. With this, the market demand will also continue to grow, stimulating more investors to venture into the industry. Among other foods, snacks are the most commonly consumed packaged food. It has led to improvements in machining to meet the overwhelming demand. Machine suppliers are now switching to the manufacturing of automated machines to be at par with their rivals.

Packaging machines are at the center of it all. The devices are needed for the quality packaging and customization of snacks packaging. This post will guide you on how to utilize packaging machines to package snacks for sale while promoting your business.

Types of Snack Food Packaging

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Packaging of snacks is done in various packaging materials. The most common are pouches and cans. These two packaging materials are popular due to their features and the benefits they offer to snack food.

Snack Bag/Pouch

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Pouches and bags are considered flexible packaging options. Flexible packaging means you can easily manipulate them with or without containing products. It is a beneficial feature to have for packaging material as it ensures the safety of its contents. There are different pouches; stand-up pouch, gusset pouch, nozzle pouch, spout pouch, etc. Bags are made with either plastic or paper, but plastic is most preferred.

Snack pouches or bags have the following features and benefits to the snacks. 

Features;

• Pouches are easy to seal.
• They can be opened and resealed.
• Snack bags are eco-friendly.
• Pouches come in a variety of designs.

Benefits to the snacks;

• They are lightweight, meaning transportation is easier and cheaper.
• Pouches promote snacks’ lifespan by helping them stay fresh for long.
• They are cost-saving for the snack suppliers.

Snack Can/Jar

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Many manufacturers package several types of snacks in a can. Cans are made from various materials like tins, aluminum, tin-coated steel, paper, and glass. These materials all have their advantages and applications. Metal cans are the most used packaging materials in various industries and food packaging; they are known to keep food safe free from any contamination. Paper, glass, and plastic cans are also common options.

Paper is affected by moisture over time, leading to loss of its integrity as a packaging material. Glass is a suitable packaging material; the only setback is it is prone to breakages. Cans for snack packaging have the following features;

• Cans are firm and not easily broken.
• Metal and plastic cans are made of durable materials.
• They are malleable hence permitting customization. 
• They are high-performance at moisture proofing.

Benefits of cans to snack foods;

• Their durability directly prolongs the shelf life of snacks.
• Metal cans are recyclable, making them environmentally friendly.
• The sealing on cans is the best among other packaging solutions.
• Cans provide the best protection of food.

Types of Snack Packaging Machines

To cater to the development of the snack industry, packaging machines manufacturers released a lot of snack packaging machines for different needs. The machines used in snack food packaging include;

Can Filling and Sealing Machines

Source: Levapack

Can packaging lines consist of several machines that work together to facilitate the packaging of snack foods. Filling and sealing machines are good examples of these machines. Can filling and sealing machines have the following components;

Filling; 

• Hopper: a hopper contains the product to be filled in the packaging.
• Nozzle: it is the part where the hopper dispenses the snack.
• Sensors: they make sure the container is adequately placed on the filling station. Also, sensors prevent wastage of products by preventing dispensation if there is no packaging container set.
• Measuring cup: it weighs the products to ensure it is as required.
• PLC system: it is a system that controls the entire machine.
• Mechanical drive system: this system controls all the movable parts of the can filler.

Sealing: 

• Seamer head: it holds the can lid tightly against the pressure from the rollers.
• Turntable: it gives support to the can body when being sealed.
• Rollers: there are two rollers, one connects the body to the lid, and the other tightens the seal.
• Sealing chamber: it is where the sealing takes place.
• Vacuum room: this is the chamber where oxygen is removed.

The best can filling and sealing machines/lines are automatic since they work faster and with high precision. Semi-automatic machines can also be used if there is no automatic machine. The working principle of these machines starts at the conveyor machine, where the packaging containers are directed towards the filling station. Once the container is set below the nozzle, the hopper releases the product by dispensing it to the container. The product is weighed and sent to the can sealer machine.

The can sealing process undergoes three stages; compression, first roller operation, and second roller operation. Reduction gives out the force required to support the can body against the seamer head. The head holds the lid while the turntable moves the body to the cover. During this stage, the container is vacuumed, and nitrogen is introduced. Then the first roller operation begins.

The stage where the lid and the can body interlocks are not too tight or too loose. Caution during the first roller operation is mandatory to avoid any mistake that will impact the seal. The second roller operation tightens the loose seal to form a hermetic seal. This seal ensures that the contents in the packaging can are free from contamination and leakages. 

Snacks Pouch Packing Machine

Source: Levapack

Other than canning, snack foods are also packaged in pouches. Some companies use premade pouch packaging machines. The machine has the following components;

• Weigher: measures the product to ensure they are appropriately filled.
• PLC system: it is the control system of the whole machine.
• Filling machine: it holds and dispenses the product when a premade pouch is set beneath it.
• Sealing machine: the premade pouch sealing machine utilizes heat to seal the bags. Heat sealing is a fast and reliable pouch sealing technique.
• Coding machine: after the bags are correctly sealed, they pass through the coding machine to complete the process.

How does the machine work? You must first program the PLC system with the specifics of the packaging then the process begins. First, a robotic device picks premade pouches from a conveyor and takes them to the packaging machine, where the system will direct them to the filling station. A lever opens the pouch at the filling station and passes it along to the hopper, releasing the products into the bag. 

The bag then moves to the sealing station, where it will be subjected to heat then cooling to facilitate sealing. Finally, the sealed pouches go to the coding machine, where they will be branded and coded with manufacturers’ and product details. 

Automatic Snack Packaging Line VS Small Packaging Machine

Both automatic and small packaging machines have their benefits and drawbacks depending on the circumstances you are using the devices. 

Pros of automatic snack packaging line;

• The operating speed of automatic machines is very high, saving a lot of time.
• It is possible to package snacks on a large scale basis as the machines are fast enough.
• The packaging quality of automatic machines is top-notch, guaranteeing safety to the products.
• While using automatic machines, labor cost is cut saving the manufacturer money.
• Automatic machines work very efficiently, hence significantly minimizing raw material wastage.

Cons; 

• The capital required for investing in automatic machines is high.
• Although the automatic machine is durable, in case of problems, the maintenance cost is quite costly.

Pros of small packaging machine;

• Purchasing a small packaging machine is cost-effective.
• Repairs and maintenance of small machines are pretty economical.
• The operator has complete control of the machine.

Cons;

• Small machines are only applicable in small businesses where packaging is not done on a large scale.
• The machine works at a slower pace than the automatic one.
• Packaging quality may not always be a guarantee.

Primary Technology: Nitrogen Packing Machine for Snacks

Source: Food-machine.org

Over the years, nitrogen has played a vital role in packaging as more packaging companies embrace its use. There are several reasons why nitrogen is the preferred gas, they are;

• Nitrogen is an inert gas hence cannot react with snack foods.
• Nitrogen is the most abundant gas in the atmosphere; hence is readily and cheaply obtained.
• Nitrogen displaces oxygen in the packaging, inhibiting contact between food and oxygen. Oxygen promotes the growth of microorganisms that colonize food and spoil it. Also, oxygen reacts with the food in an oxidation reaction, further enhancing food spoilage.
• Nitrogen sucks out moisture, making foods, especially dry foods, retain their integrity and freshness.
• The pressure produced by nitrogen helps the food stay intact even when the packaging falls, acting as a shock absorber.

How does the nitrogen packing machine for snacks work? The introduction of nitrogen into the packaging container is called nitrogen flushing. After the snack food is added to the filling station’s packaging container, it passes over to the sealing machine. Can sealer machine has two chambers, a vacuum chamber where oxygen is removed from the container and a sealing room where the vacuum is filled with nitrogen. The machine seals the container tightly to ensure there are no leakages.

The nitrogen protects the food from going bad, but once the container is opened, it is advisable to eat all the snacks or store them in a refrigerator. Opening the packaging container releases nitrogen and allows oxygen back in. While packing food, the amount of nitrogen needed depends on some factors. One of the factors is the food life span; some foods spoil faster than others hence require more nitrogen.

Moreover, the packaging material also determines the amount of nitrogen to be added. Other preservation methods are considered if the material can easily break since oxygen re-enters the container once nitrogen escapes. Lastly, the form of storage. If you are storing products in a refrigerator, less nitrogen is required than storing food on a shelf.

How Can a Snack Food Packaging Machine Line Benefit Your Business

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Making profits and growing brands are always at the forefront of every business owner’s mind. In the packaging industry, it doesn’t have to be as stressful to achieve these aspects. Investing in a quality packaging line for your business will give you the results you want and offer even more benefits. Some of these benefits are;

• Increased output: an automatic packaging line is efficient, faster, and precise when packaging snack food. With these properties, you will package more products to meet the market demand and avoid product depletion in retail shops.
• Quality: packaging lines help meet the industry’s standards by ensuring that packaging is done carefully and correctly. Containers that go through a packaging line are well-sealed, promoting the preservation of snacks.
•  Waste reduction: it is no secret that packaging material and food products are wasted during packaging. Unlike manual machines, automatic packaging lines reduce waste at a fantastic rate. Since the machine has a PLC system, you only program it with the required measurements and let it work.
• Minimal work injury: any industrial process that involves people working always has a risk of injury; however, incorporating a packaging line into your business will ensure that the risk is reduced or eliminated.
• Complex designs are achievable: a packaging line allows you to customize the packaging containers while including the latest branding ideas.

Applications 

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You can apply packaging lines in the packaging of the following snack foods.

Potato Chips Packaging

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Potato chips (crisps) are among the most popular snacks in the world. They are consumed widely, making their market huge and growing daily. Potato chips are commonly packaged in cans and pouches. Since they are in high demand, packaging industries have employed packaging lines to facilitate quality packaging. The competition in the market is fierce, and for any potato chip business they need to up their packaging game if they want to be recognized.

Potato chips packaging promotes sales; hence the more appealing the packaging, the better the returns. Automatic packaging lines have come in handy for the food packaging industry, permitting manufacturers to market their products and homes. This concept can also be applied in the potato chips packaging machines.

Banana Chips Packaging

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Banana chips are typical snack food, especially in India. Like potato chips, banana chip packaging is done in various packaging materials from pouches, cans, glass jars, aluminum foil, etc. cans, and bags are the primary packaging materials used. The spoilage of banana chips is due to exposure to moisture and oxygen. Oxygen causes oxidation and bacteria growth making the chips bad for consumption.

In addition, other factors that contribute to its spoilage are temperature, humidity, rancidity, improper handling, and breakages in the packaging. Food manufacturers put these factors in mind when packaging banana chips. One way of promoting its preservation is by using the appropriate banana chips packaging machines since they facilitate quality and efficient packaging preventing any breakages or openings that might allow contamination. 

Popcorn Packaging 

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Popcorn is another popular snack food globally. The popcorn industry is among the fastest-growing food industry worldwide. This success can be attributed to popcorn being viewed as the snack of choice in carnivores, movie cinemas, theatres, and homes. Blending popcorns and movies has become a global culture hence the need to improve its packaging solution. 

Popcorn packaging machines are evolving to meet the growing demand of the snack. Popcorns manufacturers are also integrating other primary flavors to make it even more enjoyable.  If you want to venture into this business, it is best to start by inquiring about popcorn packing machine prices which will help you in boosting your brand.

Beef Jerky Packaging

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Beef jerky packaging can present the packaging company with some difficulties if they do not pack it well. Beef jerky is usually dry but not entirely as it still has some moisture in it. When packaging beef jerky, you must consider this quality to elongate its shelf life. So how do you package beef jerky? Here is how to package beef jerky for sale; you can package the jerky in pouches commonly used are stand-up pouches. Pouch material promotes the longevity of beef jerky.

Furthermore, canning is also another option for packing beef jerky. Cans aid the jerky in the retention of its moisture while remaining dry as intended. Both pouches and cans require suitable jerky packaging machines for proper preservation. 

Dried Fruit Packaging 

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Dried fruits are becoming increasingly popular as a snack food. Most snacks are usually considered junk foods, but many people embrace healthy living due to an educated and knowledgeable population. It has become a trend to live a healthy life from going to the gym, riding bikes, walking to eating healthily. Observing a balanced diet sometimes can be a challenge, especially when fast-food restaurants are everywhere. 

Dried fruit is a step in the right direction since it is packaged like a snack, making it easy to access. Dried fruit packaging machines are helping the idea by packaging them in appealing containers, luring more people. Having a healthy population is essential as it reduces both mortality and morbidity rates. 

Nuts Packaging

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There are many nuts, such as cashews, almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, pistachio, macadamia, etc. Nuts have several nutrients that are good for the body. They contain fibers, proteins, healthy fats, among other nutrients. They are recommended for people with illnesses like heart conditions and other lifestyle illnesses. Nuts are eaten as snack foods hence making their packaging important. The packaging is the surest way for those in the nuts business to be ahead of their competitors.

Integrate nuts packaging machines into your operations, and it will give you the returns you have been wanting. Nuts are packaged in both flexible packaging solutions like pouches and cans/jars. These containers promote their freshness and maintain their integrity throughout storage. 

How to Find a Reliable Can/Pouch Packaging Machine Supplier

Source: Leva Packaging Equipment Logo

Owning a manufacturing business is not an easy fit, and one must be careful when looking for the proper packaging machine supplier to work on their project. If you are unsure of what to look for in a supplier, the following factors will guide you to choose your supplier with no future regrets correctly.

Snacks packaging machine price

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Different suppliers offer different prices according to machine quality, brand, and the type of machine you need. Before settling on any supplier, first set your budget to know how much you are willing or capable of spending. Organizing finances is very critical for any business, whether small or big. You can then search for the suppliers within your set budget and evaluate them one at a time. 

Avoid rushing when making your decision so that you can get the best deal in town. Also, as much as you want to save money, always remember cheap is expensive. Some suppliers may quote meager prices that are too good to be true. When you encounter such instances, do a background check to ensure they have quality packaging machines.

Snack Packaging Machine Quality

Source: Levapack

The quality of machines starts from the raw materials to the finishing. The right snack packaging machine supplier will put all these in mind when manufacturing the devices. You can consult an expert and tag them when going for the machine inspection before placing any orders. The construction of packaging machines is best with durable and robust materials like stainless steel, guaranteeing the device’s longevity.

Reliable suppliers conduct inspections in every production step as each part contributes to the overall quality of the machine. Trial runs are also a big part of quality checks. Request for a trial run to see how the packaging machine is working, and in case of any issues, they can sort it out before the purchase. Lastly, the finishing needs to be superb with machine cleaning and anti-rust oil to elongate its lifespan.

Technical Support

Source: Technical Support at Levapack

Finally, a reliable machine supplier should have technical support as part of their services. After production, the machine should be packaged and transported in secure packaging to prevent any damage to the engine. The devices also come with an installation guide, but some suppliers deliver and install the machines for you. Also, spare parts availability is a crucial aspect of choosing your supplier. It is essential to know that in case of any repairs, you will not lack spare parts.

Moreover, aftersale services like repairs can also be provided by the machine manufacturer where they send their engineers to inspect the machine when problems arise. Another thing to remember is the issuance of warranties. Most machine warranties usually last for one year, and this is an assurance that the machine is high quality, but in case of any problems, the manufacturer will help debug packaging machines. 

Conclusion 

Snack food packaging requires quality, long-lasting, and appealing packaging to keep the products safe and attract buyers. Packaging is also promoted by the types of machines you use. Get the best packaging machines from Leva Packaging Equipment as we assure you of quality and long-term relationships in this competitive industry. We value our clients, and we always involve them in every stage of machine manufacturing.

At Levapack, we manufacture can sealing machines, filling machines, capping machines, coding machines, etc. Our products are known in the market as above standard devices that you can trust. Get in touch with us for price quotes, inquiries, or more information.